The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print.

The Champaign man who snagged a softball dropped from an aircraft at 250 feet in 2014 and played wiffleball for 27 consecutive hours in 2021 has his eye on another Guinness World …

The Champaign man who snagged a softball dropped from an aircraft at 250 feet in 2014 and played wiffleball for 27 consecutive hours in 2021 has his eye on another Guinness World …

Your source for the top Illini sports news. Coverage of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball, football, soccer, recruiting and more.

The News-Gazette 2101 Fox Drive Champaign, IL 61820 217-351-5252 Copyright © 2026 The News-Gazette. All Rights Reserved

The Champaign man who snagged a softball dropped from an aircraft at 250 feet in 2014 and played wiffleball for 27 consecutive hours in 2021 has his eye on another Guinness World …

Awanda Jackson CHAMPAIGN — Awanda M. Jackson, 102, died Nov. 9, 2025, at Accolade Healthcare of Savoy after four years of ill health.

Who should be this week's boys' Athlete of the Week? It's time to vote for The News-Gazette's Athletes of the Week, powered by Copper Creek Contractors.

Who should be this week's boys' Athlete of the Week? It's time to vote for The News-Gazette's Athletes of the Week, powered by Copper Creek Contractors.

By clicking submit for review, you understand you are submitting this obituary for publication in the Champaign, IL based News-Gazette print and digital newspaper.